Kyra Wessels named as Director Stedelijk Museum Fonds

Kyra Wessels has been appointed director of the Stedelijk Museum Fonds, the Stedelijk’s independent support foundation. Since joining the Stedelijk Museum in 2007, Wessels has held various positions, consistently contributing to the museum’s growth and development. In recent years, her focus has shifted towards philanthropy and acquiring important works for the collection. As the former Head of the Stedelijk Museum Fonds (hereafter SMF), she was responsible for its establishment and launch. With its tenth anniversary approaching this autumn, the SMF has experienced impressive growth under her leadership, both in terms of revenue and in the number of patrons.  

Peter Mensing, chairman of the SMF board welcomes Wessels’ appointment as director: “Kyra has a proven track record of personally securing major gifts and generating ambitious revenue streams for the benefit of the museum. Her appointment is a logical next step in the SMF’s efforts to enhance its professionalism. While close collaboration with the museum is essential, the support foundation remains an independent entity. For our patrons and benefactors, Kyra is the face of the SMF; we would like to formalise that with her appointment as director. Drawing on her extensive knowledge and experience, she and her team will foster the continued growth of the SMF.” 

Director Rein Wolfs says: “The SMF has its own dynamic and an independent board. Kyra forms the bridge with the museum. Through her proactive and innovative approach she is able to build lasting relationships with major donors and turn them into donations for the museum. Her keen sense of ethics, integrity, and Good Governance is crucial for the museum’s autonomy. We want to operate independently while simultaneously using the resources necessary to maintain the collection in optimal condition and create countless exhibitions, appealing to an increasingly wide and diverse audience.” 

Kyra Wessels: “I am delighted with my appointment. It’s very rewarding to be able to engage with private patrons who want to offer the Stedelijk long-term support. We share a love for the museum and its renowned collection. Many donors are driven by a responsibility to make sure that the museum can be enjoyed by present and future generations. It inspires them to contribute and ensure that the museum can maintain its leading position. Together with my team, I want to spread that message.” 

Wessels advises the museum’s Management Board regarding major gifts and bequests and continues to play an auxiliary role in the organisation as a member of the acquisitions committee, which focuses on purchases for the collection, and gifts. She also generates income by developing art editions and works closely with the museum’s Development Department, which concentrates on building partnerships with sponsors, funds, and members.